# NTSB FTW92LA156: Piper PA-28-140, N15424, Rector, AR, June 14, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1992, 12:28 local (17:28 UTC)
- Place: Rector, AR
- Coordinates: 36.259613, -90.290756 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2596&lon=-90.2908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18516
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA156
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18516/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA156

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S PREMATURE LIFTOFF.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

A PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF FROM AN AIRSTRIP USING THE SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF PROCEDURE. AFTER LIFTOFF HE STAYED IN GROUND EFFECT AND MAINTAINED A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE AND NEVER ATTAINED CLIMB AIRSPEED. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED A LEVEE AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE STRIP, SHEARING THE LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15424](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15424-2012-06-27), registration cancelled 2012-06-27, S/N 28-7325065, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7325065
- Airframe hours: 5349
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Cherokee Six Flying Club
- Registered owner: Gary Rawls
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 28, 1991, 74 hours before
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: PGR, PARAGOULD, AR
- Airport: Beggs Airstrip, runway 18, 2,800 × 80 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 146 total, 24 in this make and model, 133 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR, 31 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920614020129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920614020129A), Jun 14, 1992: Piper PA28140, Rector, AR, Substantial damage. Early liftoff from grass strip. Failed to accelerate. Slipped off landing gear on a levee off end of runway.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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